New Man Utd takeover timeline update after 'advanced negotiation' claim - The Mirror

Manchester United takeover rumours have been rife over the last few days with a potential timeline clear after comments from Saudi official Turki Al-Sheikh

Manchester United takeover speculation has been growing over recent days with a potential timeline becoming clearer. Rumours of external investment were ignited by remarks on social media from influential Saudi official Turki Al-Sheikh.

On Wednesday, he posted on X: "The best news I heard today is that Manchester United is now in an advanced stage of completing a deal to sell to a new investor... I hope he's better than the previous owners." Discussion of a complete club buyout predictably commenced following such a substantial assertion, though the chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority subsequently clarified his comments the following day.

"My yesterday's post about Manchester United's potential sale meant one thing: the club is in an advanced negotiation phase with a new investor," he explained on Thursday.

"Just to clarify, I am not the investor, nor are they from my nation. I'm posting this as a fan who wishes the deal to happen, though it might not necessarily happen."

A talkSPORT report has provided additional insight into the mystery backer, or potential backers, with the group Al-Sheikh is referencing believed to be UAE-based.

It has also been claimed that several club legends have been 'approached' regarding possibly investing in United. The Glazers have recently shown openness to minority investment, though a full sale of the club seems unlikely due to their hefty £5billion asking price.

A comprehensive report from The Athletic supports the notion that a complete takeover is unlikely until after 2026.

This is due to the current share prices for a stake in United, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe having paid $33 per share and a 'drag-along rights' mechanism being triggered 18 months after his purchase.

This prevents him from blocking a full takeover if that's what the Glazers desire.

This clause also affects a potential sale if it is sought before February 2027, as Ratcliffe would need to receive the full amount he paid.

However, after this date, the Glazers can accept any offer, potentially resulting in the Ineos chief losing millions.

Given these circumstances, it's more probable that any potential investors will hold off until after this date to pay less, as the price per share will be significantly lower.

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